Ret. Sheriff Everette H. Van Hoesen
Ret. Sheriff Everette H. Van Hoesen, long time Ponca City resident, passed away Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, with his loving wife by his side. He was 69. He was born on Jan. 30, 1949, in Enid, the son of Howard L. and Gladys Pearce Van Hoesen.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dee Bright, officiating and Steve Mallory, deacon, assisting. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 22, from 2-8 p.m. with the family receiving relatives and friends from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/donate.
Everette grew up in Billings and graduated in 1967. He served a tour of duty in the United States Army from 1969-1970 during Vietnam. He later obtained an associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College. On Feb. 14, 1970, he married the love of his life Sonja L. Terry and they made their home in Ponca City. Everette joined the Ponca City Police Department on May 1, 1972 and when he retired May 1, 1997, he was the Assistant Chief. In 2004, he was elected Kay County Sheriff and after serving Kay County for 12 years he retired in 2016. Everette enjoyed raising Belgium Draft Horses, spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren. He also loved a good debate and he was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church.
Surviving are his wife, Sonja, of 48 years; one son, Chad Van Hoesen and wife Casey; one daughter, Ashley Rumford and husband Justin, all of Ponca City. He is also survived by grandchildren, Callie Jo Van Hoesen, Emma Lynn Van Hoesen, Livi Rumford, Lola Rumford and Bandy Rumford; two sisters, Audrey Stratton and Dolores Van Hoesen, both of Enid and one sister-in-law, Betty Van Hoesen, of Wichita, Kan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lavern Van Hoesen and one brother-in-law, Harlan Stratton.
Online condolences may be done at www.gracememorialchapel.net.
paid obituary